A business-to-business fundraising program for culinary businesses ready to give back.
WHY IT MATTERS
You feed the community. Let's feed you back.
The system meant to support small culinary businesses is failing at every level. Feed the Soul Foundation steps in to close that gap, and every Dine & Donate contribution keeps businesses like yours open, growing, and rooted in their communities. When your business thrives, so does everyone around it.
Our research shows that 83% of small culinary businesses raise the standard of living in their communities, creating jobs, anchoring neighborhoods, and building economic activity that benefits everyone around them.
Your Role
The value you create doesn't stop at the register. Every dish you serve and every dollar you earn already ripples through your neighborhood. Dine & Donate channels that impact even further. Your participation helps:
- Creates local jobs and real career pathways
- Anchors neighborhoods and keeps corridors active
- Circulates economic activity back into the community
- Keeps culinary traditions and small business ownership alive
3 Ways to Support
Choose how your business wants to show up. Pick the participation model that works for your business, your guests, and your bandwidth.
➊ Round Up for Change
Add a round-up prompt to your POS so guests can donate their spare change at checkout.
Program Benefits
No extra steps for your staff. Zero cost to implement, and it adds up fast across every transaction.
How it works
➊ Register your business as a Dine & Donate partner (takes 5 minutes).
➋ Download our POS prompt guide and configure your system to show the round-up option at checkout.
➌ Display our Dine & Donate materials at your register or on your tables so guests know what they're supporting.
➍ At the end of each month, collected round-ups are transferred to FTSF's National Emergency Relief Fund.
➎ We send you a monthly impact summary and a donation acknowledgment letter for your records.
➋ Dine & Donate Night
Designate one evening, or a single shift, where a percentage of your sales goes directly to FTSF.
Program Benefits
Promote it to your own guest list. Drives traffic on a slower night while FTSF amplifies your event to our network.
How it works
➊ Pick your date and register it in the Dine & Donate partner portal.
➋ Decide your giving percentage (we suggest 10–15% of net sales for the shift).
➌ We provide branded social graphics, talking points, and a pre-written email you can send to your list.
➍ Host your event. We'll share it to the FTSF network to drive additional traffic your way.
➎ Within 30 days of your event, submit your sales total and send your contribution. We handle the receipt and recognition.
➌ Signature Dish or Item
Feature a special menu item and donate a portion of every sale, with no set schedule required.
Program Benefits
Turns your menu into a story guests want to be part of.
How it works
➊ Choose a dish or menu item to feature as your Dine & Donate item.
➋ Decide your giving amount (a flat dollar per item sold, or a percentage of the item price).
➌ We create a co-branded card or table tent you can display with the item — telling guests the story.
➍ Run the feature for as long as you like — one weekend, one month, or ongoing.
➎ Send your contribution at the end of the feature period. We send a receipt and shout you out.
The Payback
Partnering with FTSF goes both ways. Every partner gets brand support, national promotion, and a dedicated contact throughout their campaign. The more you raise, the more it unlocks for the businesses and students who need it most.
What host partners receive
- Logo and brand assets for your promotional materials
- Social media amplification across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- A dedicated FTS contact throughout your planning
- Donation letter for your records
- Recognition in the FTS annual impact report for events raising $500 or more
- Joint press release for events with a $5,000+ fundraising goal
Fundraising impact tiers
- $500 – $1,499
Emergency micro-grant for one restaurant owner in crisis
- $1,500 – $4,999
Business development workshop for up to 10 entrepreneurs
- $5,000 – $9,999
Covers operational costs and programming for one quarter
- $10,000+
Full program sponsorship and named recognition in the annual report
Are you ready to partner?
Becoming a Dine & Donate partner takes about five minutes. Download the toolkit, pick your participation model, and we'll be in touch within 3 business days to get you set up. Or email partnerships@feedthesoulfoundation.org. We respond within 5 business days.
Feed the Soul Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Feed the Soul Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt by email immediately after your gift is processed.
Where does my money go?
100% of your donation funds FTSF programs — restaurant relief, business training, scholarships, and the Culinary Business Network. We do not use donor funds for administrative overhead. Your restaurant relief donation goes exactly where it’s needed most.
Can I make a monthly gift?
Yes. Select “Give Monthly” above the donation form. Monthly gifts help us plan ahead and serve more culinary entrepreneurs throughout the year. You can cancel or change your recurring gift at any time.
How do I donate by check or wire?
Make checks payable to Feed the Soul Foundation and mail to [INSERT MAILING ADDRESS]. For wire transfers or stock gifts, contact juana.collins@feedthesoulfou.org.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Feed the Soul Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt by email immediately after your gift is processed.
I gained knowledge of profit/ loss, QuickBooks training, and knowledge of how to categorize expenses. This is the first time my business has had any type of financials.
300+ Business & Students Impacted Since 2020
Over the last five years, the organization has evolved into a national support system for restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, food truck owners, hospitality students, and aspiring culinary entrepreneurs. In 2025, that work reached new heights.